This is probably a well discussed topic but could anyone point me to a case study in reference to women of child bearing age. When I have raised this topic, the company reaction is to refer to the new and expectant mothers scenario which I am aware of. I know that we should be carrying out RAs for women of child bearing age but I face resistance on this. If I could refer to a case study then this would help me considerably. I would appreciate any assistance. Thanks

Regulation 16 of MHSW requires that "the risk assessment should include any specific risks to females of childbearing age who could become pregnant, and any risks to new and expectant mothers." Hi McNally. When an employee provides written notification (regulation 18 of MHSW) to her employer stating that she is pregnant . . . "the employer should immediately take into account any risks identified in their workplace risk assessment." That is - any risks are already identified in the workplace or activity assessment in existence. HSE guidance: 'Although it is NOT a legal requirement for employers to conduct another specific or further individual risk assessment for new and expectant mothers, employers may CHOOSE to do so . . . An employer’s risk assessment should have ALREADY considered any specific risks to new and expectant mothers when considering the rest of the workplace.' (my emphasis by CAPS). I think this might be where you are coming from? and meeting some resistance? as there seems to have developed a view that notification of pregnancy prompts a specific assessment. O'Neill v Bucks CC 2010 (EAT) clarifies the actual regulatory requirement above, against the contention that a 'pregnant worker RA' had not been carried out.

They're not absolutely forbidden from working with such chemicals - it is risk based and the employer has to make an assessment, as usual, based on the risk of exposure.